In 2004, Good News Chaplains, along with over 100 volunteers from various denominations and civic groups served the following local institutions:  Danville City Jail, Danville Adult Detention, W.W. Moore Juvenile Detention, Chatham Men’s Diversion Center and the Pittsylvania County Jail.

Services provided included worship services and Bible studies in each facility; a Bible correspondence course, individual pastoral counseling and cell block visitation.  We also provided ministry to inmate families and follow-up for those who are released and request such ministry, usually assisting in re-entering our community.

Good News Chaplains help provide reliable information concerning the religious faith of inmates which may be unfamiliar to correctional officials and help facilitate the practice of an inmates’ religious faith, within the required security considerations.  As well, Chaplains act as a liaison with the community to help clergy of any faith best meet the religious requirements of the incarcerated of that faith.

At the adult facilities the ministry has continued to assist and certify volunteers who conduct ongoing programs for G.E.D. study and testing.  Good News Chaplains help facilitate the work of volunteers from Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous, as well as the Danville Pittsylvania County Community Services to provide education and support to inmates.  Ministry is available to correctional staff and officers, along with their family members by the Chaplains in the form of pastoral counseling, hospital visits and pastoral support at the time of a death.

Good News Jail & Prison Ministry provides two full-time chaplains, who are volunteers with the institutions, supported by the community and receiving no tax dollars in funding.

Our ministry continues to strongly discourage Chaplains or other volunteers from becoming involved in any court matter unless requested by a court official.
_____________________________